The Kelly Cares Dinner

By Patricia Harty, Editor-in-Chief
June / July 2014

The Kelly Cares Foundation’s annual Irish Eyes Gala, took place at the Sheraton Times Square on the evening following the Breezy Point ribbon-cutting, and honored the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation, NBC News’s Chief of  Environmental Affairs Anne Thompson, and Peter Schivarelli, Manager of the band Chicago. The gala raised over $800,000 which will support causes locally, nationally, and globally.

“I salute tonight’s honorees for their service to their communities, and for making such a positive difference in
the world,” said Brian Kelly. “Jon, Dorothea, Anne, and Peter continue to inspire so many of us here and around the world. I want to thank each of you for your generosity, and I wish you continued success as you impact lives in such a meaningful way.”

A check in the amount of $20,014.00 was presented by the Kelly Cares Foundation to the Special Olympics USA in honor of this summer’s Games taking place in New Jersey.

Rev. Bill Dowd, the official chaplain of the New York Giants, opened the program by leading the invocation. Tom Rinaldi, ESPN Commentator, and Jack Nolan, the Voice of the Fighting Irish, served as the evening’s Masters of Ceremonies. The night’s entertainment was provided by Notre Dame Glee Club’s Undertones.

Additional attendees included: Bill Belichick, head football coach of the New England Patriots; Congressman Peter King; and Regis Philbin.

The Irish Eyes Gala is the Kelly Cares Foundation’s signature event. It celebrates the generosity that serves as a catalyst for immediate, positive change in so many lives.

Paqui Kelly is a two-time breast cancer survivor, which inspired the coach and his wife to create The Kelly Cares Foundation in 2007

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